'Baduk Samgukji', Japan Eliminated by Korean Wall

9-dan Park Jeonghwan Defeats Japan's Top Player Iyama 9-dan
24th Nongshim Shin Ramyun Cup Korea vs China Match

[Asia Economy Reporter Ryu Jeong-min] Japan's final elimination was confirmed in the Nongshim Shin Ramyun Cup, known as the "Go Three Kingdoms."

On the 20th, Park Jeong-hwan 9-dan secured a 2.5 point victory against Iyama Yuta 9-dan of Japan in the 10th game of the 3rd round of the 24th Nongshim Shin Ramyun Cup World Baduk Championship, held online between the Korea Baduk Association and the Japan Baduk Association. Iyama 9-dan was Japan's flagship player and the last remaining competitor.

The Nongshim Shin Ramyun Cup is a national team competition featuring the top five players each from Korea, China, and Japan, representing the world of Go, and is called the "Go Three Kingdoms." Unlike other major international Go tournaments centered on individual titles, the Nongshim Shin Ramyun Cup is a national team event, making it a contest of national pride.

Park Jung-hwan 9-dan [Photo by Korea Baduk Association]

With Iyama's defeat, all five Japanese players have been eliminated early. Meanwhile, Korea still has three players remaining, including world number one Shin Jin-seo 9-dan, number three Byun Sang-il 9-dan, and Park Jeong-hwan 9-dan. China has Ke Jie 9-dan and Gu Zihao 9-dan left.

Park Jeong-hwan 9-dan is scheduled to face China's top-ranked Ke Jie 9-dan in the 11th game of the main event on the 21st. The head-to-head record between Park Jeong-hwan 9-dan and Ke Jie 9-dan is evenly matched. Even if Park Jeong-hwan 9-dan is defeated, Korea holds a significant advantage with Byun Sang-il 9-dan and the final guardian Shin Jin-seo 9-dan still in the competition.

On the other hand, if Ke Jie 9-dan is defeated, China will face the burden of Gu Zihao 9-dan having to compete alone against three Korean players.

Korea is currently challenging for a three-peat, having won the 22nd and 23rd Nongshim Shin Ramyun Cups.

Meanwhile, the Nongshim Shin Ramyun Cup is famous for Lee Chang-ho 9-dan's legendary comeback victory. Lee Chang-ho 9-dan's achievements were even featured as a theme in the drama "Reply 1988."